Pet feeding station with aroma dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A pet feeding system includes a generally hollow main body having openings along the top surface for receiving a food dish and a water dish. A fan is positioned along another opening in the bottom surface of the main body that is located in line with the food dish. A heating plate having a removable tray is positioned between the fan and the food dish. The tray is constructed from a heat conducting material and imparts heat from the heating plate onto a material. Aroma produced by the scented material is moved by the fan toward air vents in the food bowl, and a pair of locking rings secure the bowls to the main body to prevent a pet from accessing the scented material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to pet feeding devices, and moreparticularly to a pet feeding station with an aroma dispensing system.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Many households have at least one pet such as a dog or cat. Such animalsmay provide company, amusement, or personal security. However, owning apet does involve a certain amount of responsibility. One obviousresponsibility is providing the pet with proper nutrition which leads toa healthier and happier life for the animal.

One of the most popular forms of pet food is kibble, which is typicallycomposed of various meats, meat byproducts, cereals, grains, vitamins,and minerals, that are dried and provided in bite sizes for easyconsumption by a pet. This food is popular because it does not requiremuch preparation, is easy to serve and has an extremely long shelf life.

It is well known that a canine's sense of smell is 40 times greater thanthat of a human. As such, pets use their sense of smell to identify foodand particularly foods they like. Unfortunately, dry kibble has verylittle aroma, and does not tend to smell like any “natural” foods suchas meat, for example. As such, it is not uncommon for a pet to becomedisinterested in the same dry kibble over time. In some cases, the petwill slowly begin to eat less and less, and may suffer harmful effectsfrom malnutrition. As a result, many pet owners in this situation mustswitch to a different type of food such as wet formula or canned petfood for example. When this happens, the pet owners are not able toenjoy the convenience of dry kibble. Additionally, some animals havemedical conditions that do not allow them to eat other types of food.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a pet feeding stationhaving an aroma dispensing system that can introduce any number ofappealing aromas onto kibble or other food within the dish, so as toprovide a more enticing and pleasing experience for a pet, and toencourage the pet to eat the food contained within the dish.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pet feeding system. Oneembodiment of the present invention can include a generally hollow mainbody having openings along the top surface for receiving a food dish anda water dish. A fan can be positioned along another opening in thebottom surface of the main body that is located in line with the fooddish. A heating plate can be positioned between the fan and the fooddish.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include a removable trayfor receiving a scented material. The tray can be constructed from aheat conducting material and can impart heat from the heating plate ontothe material. Aroma produced by the scented material can travel towardthe food bowl and can be introduced into the bowl by a plurality of airvents.

In another embodiment, a pair of locking rings can secure the bowl tothe main body and can prevent a pet from accessing the scented material.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of the pet feeding system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body of the pet feeding system,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the pet feeding system, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top side view of the pet feeding system, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the pet feeding system, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is another top side view of the pet feeding system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back-side view of the pet feeding system with the back wallremoved, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

Definitions

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivativesthereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or moreobjects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow thesame objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,”and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape andsize of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical tothe shape and size of another identified component within a tolerancesuch as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerancesor the like.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of a pet feeding station with aromadispensing system 10 that are useful for understanding the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical referencenumerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of likefunction. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals areshown in the individual figures which are necessary for the descriptionof the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms“upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,”and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of one exemplary embodiment of the petfeeding system. As shown, the system 10 can include main body segments20 a-20 b for housing a fan 30, a heating plate 40, a removable tray 45,and a pair of dishes 51-52 that are secured to the main body viaremovable rings 61-62.

As shown best at FIG. 2 , the assembled main body 20 can include a topsurface 21 a, a bottom surface 21 b, a front surface 21 c, a backsurface 21 d and a pair of side surfaces 21 e and 21 f that define ahollow interior space. In the preferred embodiment, two openings 22 and23 can be positioned along the top surface 21 a, and can function toreceive the below described food and water dishes 51 and 52,respectively.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fingers 24 and indentations 25 can bearranged about the periphery of the openings 22 and 23. The top surfaceof each of the fingers preferably being flush with the top surface ofthe main body 21 a. Likewise, a plurality of slots 26 can be positionedalong the periphery of the openings, preferably along one or more of thefingers. Each of the slots 26 and can function to receive and engage theprotruding tabs of the below described locking tabs 63, to secure rings61 and 62 onto the main body.

In various embodiments, the main body 20 may be formed as a singlecomponent or may be formed from a plurality of separate body segments(e.g., 20 a and 20 b) that are joined together along a common side viacompression fittings joints or other known manufacturing techniques. Ineither instance, the main body may be constructed from materials thatare, for example, relatively strong and stiff for their weight. Severalnonlimiting examples include, but are not limited to various metals ormetal alloys (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, or alloys thereof),plastic/polymers (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), rigidpolyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), and/orvarious composite materials (e.g., carbon fibers in a polymer matrix,fiberglass, etc.).

As shown best at FIG. 3 , a fan 30 can be positioned within or adjacentto a third opening 27 that is positioned along the bottom surface of themain body 21 b at a location that is preferably directly beneath opening22. As described herein, the fan 30 can include, comprise or consist ofany number of A/C or D/C operated fans having an electric motor 31 thatspins fan blades 32. The fan can be selectively activated by a switch 33on the main body and can be in electrical communication with a powerjack 34 and/or power cord for example, so as to receive power from anelectrical outlet. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated whereinthe fan 30 can be connected to and powered by an onboard battery (notillustrated).

As is also shown best at FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the system caninclude a pair of feet 28 that extend downward from the bottom surface21 b of the main body. The feet functioning to allow air to be sucked bythe fan 30 for use in the manner described below. In the preferredembodiment, each of the feet can include a layer of nonskid material 29such as rubber, for example, which can prevent excess movement of thesystem during use.

As shown at FIG. 4 , a heat producing device 40 such as the illustratedheat plate, for example, can be positioned in proximity to the fan 30,and can be secured onto the main body via support arms 41 to allow freeoperation of the fan motor 31 and blades 32. The heating plate caninclude a generally flat upper surface onto which a tray 45 can beplaced. As will be described below, the tray 45 can preferably beconstructed from a heat conducting material such as copper or aluminum,for example, can be filled with an aroma producing substance, and can beremovably positioned onto the heating plate 40, so as to allow the fanto circulate the aroma into the feeding dish.

As described herein, the heating plate can include any number of devicescapable of generating sustained and controlled heat onto the tray 45 inthe range of between at least 85° F. and 105° F., for example. Oneexample of a suitable heating plate for use herein includes the modelELE137 PTC heating element that is commercially available from BolsenTech, incorporated herein by reference. Of course, any number of otherdevices are also contemplated. In either instance, the heating plate 40can be selectively activated by the switch 33 on the main body and canbe in electrical communication with the power jack 34 and/or onboardbattery.

As shown at FIGS. 5 and 6 , one embodiment of the system 10 can includetwo dishes 51 and 52 into which food and water may be placed. Each ofthe dishes including a continuous side wall 51 a/52 a, a closed bottomend 51 b/52 b and an upper rim 51 c/52 c, respectively. The side wallsof the dishes including a diameter that is less than the diameter ofopenings 22 and 23 to allow the bowls to be removably placed within theopenings.

Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, at least one of the dishes suchas dish 52 can be designated as the pet's water dish, and can include aninsulative material 53 such as foam, for example, along the bottom andside walls. The insulative material being important for preventing heatsupplied by the heating plate 40 from heating water within the dishduring use of the plate. Additionally, the insulation being helpful formaintaining the temperature of the water at or below room temperatureeven when the heating plate is not in use.

As described herein, each of the dishes 51 and 52 may be constructedfrom any number of suitable materials for use as a pet bowl and forcontaining liquids such as plastic and various metals, for example.Although described above as including an insulative material along theexterior of one of the dishes, other embodiments are contemplatedwherein the dish is constructed to include a double wall design havingair or gas between the inner and outer walls to provide the insulativefunctionality described above.

In one embodiment, a pair of rings 61 and 62 can be provided. Each ofthe rings including an inside edge 61 a/62 a having a diameter that iscomplementary to the outside diameter of the dish rims 51 c and 52 c,respectively. As shown, a plurality of locking tabs 63 can be disposedalong the bottom surface of the rings 61 and 62. The locking tabs canfunction to engage the plurality of slotted openings described above.

As shown best at FIG. 6 , the rims 51 c/52 c of dishes 51 and 52 includea diameter that is greater than the diameters of the openings 22 and 23,respectively, so as to extend approximately half way along the length ofeach of the fingers 24. As such, when dishes 51 and 52 are positionedwithin openings 22 and 23, a gap G remains between the outer edge of therim and the portion of the main body 21 a from which the fingers 24extend. Such a feature ensuring that a portion of each of theindentations 25 remain partially exposed.

As a result, when the rings 61 and 62 are positioned over the dishes 51and 52, the distal ends of the locking tabs 63 can engage the slottedopenings 26 via a twisting motion to secure the rings in place. When sopositioned, air vents 65 can be formed by the fingers 24, indentations25 and rings 61/62.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 in operation. Asshown, air A can be sucked through the bottom opening 27 by the fan 30.The air can be directed to flow over the heating plate 40 on which thetray 45 containing a scented material such as gravy, meat, and/or otherscented materials can reside. The heating plate 40 can impart heat ontothe tray 45 which causes the scented material to release its aroma. Asthe aroma mixes with the air A, it then passes upward along the sides ofthe dish 51 a before escaping through the air vents 65 formed by thefingers, indentations and ring, as described above.

In this regard, the aroma can be directed toward the kibble or otherfood items contained within the dish and can function to entice the petto consume the meal. Moreover, because the rings are locked onto themain body, any attempts by the animal to reach the tray containing thescented material will be unsuccessful. Finally, because the tray isremovable in nature, pet owners can use a different type of aromaproducing material every day.

In the illustrated embodiment, a thermal barrier 70 such as an insulatedwall, for example, can be positioned within the main body betweenopenings 22 and 23, and can extend from the top surface 21 a to thebottom surface 21 b. The thermal barrier functioning to ensure that noaromas and/or heat produced by the system passes into dish 52 which isintended to function as the pets water dish.

Accordingly, the above described pet feeding station with aromadispensing system 10 provides a novel means for introducing a pleasingaroma onto pet food to entice pets to eat.

Although described above with regard to a station having two dishes,this is for illustrative purposes only, as other embodiments arecontemplated wherein the system comprises a single dish or a pluralityof dishes, each having the above described functionality for introducingan aroma into a respective dish.

As described herein, one or more elements of the pet feeding stationwith aroma dispensing system 10 can be secured together utilizing anynumber of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue,compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although theabove embodiments have been described as including separate individualelements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting.To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or moreindividually identified elements may be formed together as one or morecontinuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such aswelding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece ofmaterial milled or machined with the aforementioned components formingidentifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the presentinvention, the same should be apparent from the above description.Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage andoperation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the terms “consisting”shall be used to describe only those components identified. In eachinstance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherentlyconsist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pet feeding system, comprising: a mainbody having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of sidesurfaces that form a generally hollow interior space; a first topopening that is disposed along the top surface of the main body; asecond top opening that is disposed along the top surface of the mainbody; a first dish that is removably positioned within the first topopening; a second dish that is removably positioned within the secondtop opening; a plurality of air vents that are positioned along an upperperiphery of the first top opening, each of the air vents being formedby a plurality of fingers and indentations extending from the topsurface of the main body toward a center portion of the first topopening; each of the air vents being formed by a plurality of fingersand indentations extending from the top surface of the main body towarda center portion of the first top opening; a tray that is removablypositioned in line with and directly beneath the first dish, a fan thatis positioned within the main body at a location directly beneath thetray, said fan functioning to actively push the aroma to each of theplurality of air vents; and a bottom opening that is positioned alongthe main body, said bottom opening being positioned directly beneath thefan, wherein the tray is configured to receive a scented material havingan aroma that is discharged into the first dish through each of theplurality of air vents.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aheating plate that is positioned within the main body, said heatingplate including a surface for receiving the tray.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein each of the fan and the heating plate are connected to acontrol switch located along the main body.
 4. The system of claim 2,wherein the heating plate functions to heat the tray to a temperature ofbetween approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 105 degrees Fahrenheit.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the tray is constructed from a heatconductive material.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the heating plateis positioned in line with the fan to receive a stream of air that isgenerated by the fan.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein the heatingplate is positioned between the fan and the first dish.
 8. The system ofclaim 2, further comprising: a thermally insulative wall that ispositioned within the main body at a location between the first openingand the second opening, said wall extending from the top surface to thebottom surface and between two of the plurality of side surfaces.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the second dish includes insulation about acontinuous side wall.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: afirst locking ring that is positioned along an upper periphery of thefirst dish, said first locking ring removably securing the first dishwithin the first top opening; and a second locking ring that ispositioned along an upper periphery of the second dish, said secondlocking ring removably securing the second dish within the second topopening.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality ofair vents are located adjacent to an outer periphery of the firstlocking ring.